Did Heisman Trust Leak The Bush Story?

This is purely speculative, but could the Heisman Trust be the party that leaked the story about Reggie Bush getting stripped of his Heisman trophy? Could they have leaked the story to see what the public’s reaction to the news be? It makes sense, right? I explain why this would have been a smart move and breakdown the whole Reggie Bush situation.

Yahoo! Sports ran a story yesterday that former USC tailback, Reggie Bush, would be getting his Heisman trophy stripped from him. He won the trophy as the best college football player in 2005. He took gifts and cash from agents and boosters while he was a college player, which retroactively made him ineligible to play during the 2005 college football season. USC was hit with sanctions and was forced to forfeit the games in which Bush played that season and was hit with the loss of scholarships and a two-year postseason ban.

The Heisman trust came out after this story went public and said that the trust hasn’t even taken a vote on the subject and are still deciding what to do about the whole Reggie Bush situation. I doubt that an established site like Yahoo! would have ran this story without multiple sources confirming that he was indeed getting the trophy stripped. The trust have never been put in a situation where they would have to strip a player of their award. The public could have reacted negatively to the story and could have swayed the votes of the trust. Since the reaction seems to be somewhat positive of the news, I’m sure the trust will act in stripping Bush of the award.

I want to stress once again that this is purely speculative, but it makes sense. The trust wants to make sure that the award keeps its prestige and isn’t tarnished in any way. If Bush is stripped of the award, it is rumored that the trust would just say that the award was vacant that year and wouldn’t award it to the person that came in as runner-up, Texas quarterback Vince Young. Young mother even came out today and said that Young told her that he wouldn’t accept the award if they decided to give it to him.

This whole situation is muddy and it would be best to keep the award vacant, it isn’t Miss America. In doing this, the trust would set a precedent that this would be the way to handle situations like this, if they were to happen again. Let’s hope that this will be the last one like this, since it has taken the NCAA five years to react to a situation that came out many years ago.

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2010 NFL Week 1 – Fantasy Football Sit/Start

I’m back with this season’s weekly post when I announce who will be fantasy football studs and duds. I made it to the championship game in every fantasy football league I was in last season. I helped a lot of people last season and I got a lot of great feedback from readers. Here are my players to sit and start for Week 1.

I want to explain what I mean by “sit” and “start.” Of course you are going to start some of the guys i say to bench this week, because you probably used high draft picks or a lot of money in an auction for them. I am just not completely sold that they will have good weeks. If you have a guy that you are on the fence about, maybe this will help you pick between the players.

START’EM

Adrian Peterson – Favre isn’t 100%, Peterson should see a lot of work against the Saints.

Drew Brees – Vikings run defense is solid, but secondary can be throw on, if he’s given time.

Both Steve Smiths – They face each other this week and they are both solid starts. I think Matt Moore is an upgrade over Jake Delhomme.

Chad Henne – If Brandon Marshall can make Kyle Orton look good, imagine how good he will make Henne look this season.

Michael Turner – The Steelers defense will focus on stopping him and making Matt Ryan throw to beat them, but Turner is difficult to contain.

Rashard Mendenhall – Dixon is the QB and he will need a rushing attack and an option to dump the ball off, Mendenhall will have a nice game.

Calvin Johnson – When healthy, Johnson is a freak…he’s healthy and the Bears secondary is bad.

Matt Forte – I could be in the minority in thinking that Forte will have a nice season. He has nice hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Cutler will have to checkdown a lot to keep from throwing picks.

Cedric Benson – The Patriots front four is getting old and Benson should get the ball a lot.

Pierre Garcon – The Texans secondary is weak, all the Colts wide receiving corps should do well. Garcon has the hands and speed to do damage.

Chris Johnson – You used the #1 pick in the draft, you have to start him no matter the situation.

Jason Campbell – Redskins had him in handcuffs and the Raiders will let him use his cannon, even if his wideout options are weak.

Vernon Davis – He has turned to be Alex Smith’s #1 target and Seattle gave up a ton of TDs to tight ends last year.

Arizona Cardinals Defense – You have to start any defense that face the St. Louis Rams this season.

Tony Romo – He’s on the road in a big game, he has to be hyped for a game like this. He has many options to throw to and defenses will have to plan to stop Jones and Barber.

LaDanian Tomlinson – I know, I know…a bit risky. Shonn Greene is the #1 back, but I think LT gets in the end zone.

Green Bay Packers defense – Kevin Kolb looked good filling in for McNabb last season, but the Packers are going throw the kitchen sink at him.

Phillip Rivers – The Chiefs will be energized with a home Monday Night Football game, but their secondary is weak.

Both Mike Williams – DEEP LEAGUE START – You should start these in a standard league, but both Mike Williams (Tampa Bay and Seattle) are the only solid options on their teams at wideout.

SIT’EM

Brett Favre – He has to prove to me that his ankle is well enough to do anything of importance before I can start him in a standard league.

Pierre Thomas – He will lose some carries to Reggie Bush and the Vikings run defense is top notch.

Brandon Jacobs – He seems to have a scaled back role in 2010 and Ahmad Bradshaw is set to take over #1 duties.

Any Buffalo Bills player – I know C.J. Spiller is a sexy pick this year, but they need so much help on offense, they can’t just rely on him.

Dennis Dixon – The Steelers would rather have Byron Leftwich at QB…that should tell you something.

Jay Cutler – The Bears O-line is bad, if the Lions can get pressure on Cutler, he’s going to throw picks.

Any NE Patriots RB – The backfield for the Patriots is so congested, it’s a crapshoot in trying to choose who to play.

Arian Foster – Steve Slaton and Derrick Ward are both on the roster. Slaton has had good games against the Colts, but Foster is a different type of back, a back that the Colts can stop.

Sam Bradford – He’s a rookie and has zero options at wide receiver. It will be a long season for the young quarterback.

Donovan McNabb – He’s a question mark to even play, so he’s too risky to take a chance.

Derrick Mason – Not sure why so many people are on his bandwagon this season. He’s up their in age and Boldin should get the most targets.

DeSean Jackson – The Packers secondary is good and will play against the big play. Jackson only seemed to score last season on big plays, he’s not a red zone target.

Ryan Matthews – I don’t trust a rookie running back in his first game, plus it’s on the road.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2010 NFL Football – Week 1 Betting Picks

The 2010 season starts on Thursday with a great game. It’s a rematch of the NFC Championship game when Brett Favre and the Vikings was one or two plays away from going to the Super Bowl. The Saints ended up winning the game and went on to win their first Super Bowl. The rest of the schedule is pretty loaded and should be an interesting week. Here are my betting picks against the spread for Week 1 of the 2010 NFL season.

Minnesota Vikings (+5) at New Orleans Saints (-5) – My pick is New Orleans

Brett Favre hasn’t had much practice and he’s still having ankle issues. The Vikings will miss Chester Taylor’s pass catching ability out of the backfield and Sidney Rice as a deep threat. The Saints appear to be the same team on paper this season and I see them covering this game, because the Super Bowl champ always wins and covers the next season’s opener.

Carolina Panthers (+7) at New York Giants (-7) – My pick is Carolina

This line seems kind of off. I know that Carolina wasn’t great last season and they lost Julius Peppers, but Matt Moore showed promise and they still return DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The Giants had defensive issues last year and I’m not sold on either Ahmad Bradshaw or Brandon Jacobs to help make the Giants offensive attack balanced. I see the Panthers ruining the Giants home opener and not only win against the spread, but win outright.

Miami Dolphins (-3) at Buffalo Bills (+3) – My pick is Miami

The Dolphins is a darkhorse to win the AFC East this season, if they can take care of their own business. They need to win their divisional games and the rest should play itself out. The Bills lack blue chip players are nearly every position and will have trouble winning games this season, Miami should thank the scheduling Gods for not having this game in December. The Dolphins win and cover this game.

Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) – My pick is Atlanta

This line should be higher in Atlanta’s favor, but the Steelers are a “public team,” so homers for the team bet blindly on their team. The Steelers are without Big Ben and trot Dennis Dixon out there to start. Dixon looked “good” in garbage time last season, but Atlanta is a good football team. The Steelers defense will have to play out of their minds to keep this one close. I am picking the Falcons to cover this game big.

Detroit Lions (+6.5) at Chicago Bears (-6.5) – My pick is Detroit

I really don’t feel great that I am picking the Lions. It’s not that I don’t feel comfortable in doing so, but the franchise has been synonymous with losing for the last decade. The Lions have had a couple decent drafts in a row and some of their younger players are starting to turn the corner. The Bears add Mike Martz in as Offensive Coordinator, but that will a disaster if they can’t get better at protecting Jay Cutler. Martz’s plays take longer to develop and Cutler will end up on his back more times than any other time in his career. I see the Lions keeping this game close and winning against the spread.

Cincinnati Bengals (+4.5) at New England Patriots (-4.5) – My pick is new England

I know the Bengals made the playoffs last season and I should like them more, but the AFC Central teams didn’t show up to play them last season. They swept their division and backed into the playoffs. New England does well when they have plenty of time to study their opponent. Since this game was announced months ago, I see the Patriots taking care of business at home and covering the spread.

Cleveland Browns (+3) at Tampa Buccaneers (-13.5) – My pick is Cleveland

The Browns played themselves out of a top 3 pick last season by winning their last few games of the season. Jake Delhomme steps in at QB and adds a few new weapons on offense and defense. Tampa Bay was another team that scraped the bottom of the league in 2009. Josh Freeman gained a lot of experience last season, but they have a lot of youth on their team as well. The Browns should be able to keep this close and pull out a victory and cover, if Delhomme takes care of the ball.

Denver Broncos (+2.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5) – My pick is Denver

Denver’s training camp reads like a MASH unit. Everyone from Elvis Dumervil to Knowshon Moreno have been injured. The Broncos started out red hot last season, but cooled off and didn’t even make the playoffs. They added some pieces, but lost Dumervil for the season with injury and traded away Brandon Marshall. The Jaguars had trouble scoring points last season and could be the last year in Jacksonville for head coach Jack Del Rio and for starter David Garrard, if they don’t pull out a winning season. I see Denver winning a close game, I would pick them with the money line.

Indianapolis Colts (-2) at Houston Texans (+2) – My pick is Indianapolis

I realize that everyone picks Houston to finally make the playoffs before every season, but having the spread at only 2 points in favor of the Super Bowl runner-ups, is ridiculous. I know that Sage Rosenfels is no longer on the Texans and can’t fumble away victories, but the Colts are going to cover this one big.

Oakland Raiders (+6) at Tennessee Titans (-6) – My pick is Tennessee

I realize that one of these years the Raiders will win games like this, but not in 2010. The Titans are still a dangerous team with the speed of Chris Johnson and Vince Young. The safeties have to play in the box to stop the running attack and that could leave Kenny Britt open a few extra times a game. The Titans should win and cover this game at home.

Green Bay Packers (-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (+3) – My pick is Green Bay

The Packers have looked great this preseason and I look for them to keep adding to their resumé this season and cover in Philadelphia. Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings should have big games against the Eagles secondary. Kevin Kolb looked impressive last season for the Eagles, but the Packers defense is very tough and will throw out a ton of different looks to confuse the young QB. The Packers are my pick to win the NFC this year.

San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Seattle Seahawks (+3) – My pick is San Francisco

The 49ers are the favorite to win the weak NFC West this season and Seattle looks to be in full rebuilding mode. The Seahawks don’t have many blue-chip players yet and will have issues this year winning games. If Alex Smith can hit his receivers and Frank Gore stays healthy, they should have a big season. The Niners will cover this game on the road.

Arizona Cardinals (-4) at St. Louis Rams (+4) – My pick is Arizona

The Cardinals is another team in transition, but won’t get much of a test during Week 1. The Rams haven’t done much to improve their team in the off-season and lost their best wide receiver (Donnie Avery) to injury for the season. The Cardinals have Derek Anderson as their starting QB and some key pieces were traded or signed elsewhere in the off-season. Arizona should win this game and cover the spread against an even weaker Rams team.

Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) at Washington Redskins (+3.5) – My pick is Dallas

I struggled with this pick the most out of any of the other games on the schedule this week. The NFC East is a toss-up at this point and it will all come down to which team has a better divisional record. The Cowboys have their eyes set on the Super Bowl and the Redskins are definitely improved, but to what extent is still to be determined. This is a true rivalry game and should be intense, since it’s also opening weekend. The Cowboys offense is improved and looks like a team ready to take the next step. Both teams have issues at left-tackle, so both teams should be able to pressure the quarterback. The Cowboys are a stronger team, so I am picking them to win and cover.

Baltimore Ravens (+2.5) at New York Jets (-2.5) – My pick is NY Jets

This should be one of the better games during Week 1, since both teams have been picked by experts to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this season. The Ravens improved their offense by adding receivers to a prolific rushing attack. The Jets improved their team on both sides of the ball, but adding veterans at skilled positions. If Darrelle Revis wasn’t playing, I would pick the Ravens to win against the spread, but since he just ended his holdout, I will pick the Jets to cover, it will be that close of a game.

San Diego Chargers (-4.5) at Kansas City Chiefs (+4.5) – My pick is San Diego

It’s been a long time since a Monday Night Football game has been played in Kansas City. I can see that energizing the Arrowhead crowd, but that can only do so much for the team. I believe KC is an improved team, but San Diego, even without Vincent Jackson, is a much better team. The Chargers should win this game big and cover this spread at halftime.

These picks are for entertainment purposes.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2010 NCAA Football – Week 2 Betting Picks

Week 2 of this college football season is looking to be a very entertaining week, especially for the Big Ten. You have three marquee teams facing national powerhouses. Ohio State is at home against University of Miami of Florida, Michigan plays Notre Dame, and Penn State travels to Alabama. Here are my college football picks for week 2 of the 2010 college football season.

Auburn (-2.0) at Mississippi State (+2.0) – My pick is Auburn

Auburn should be able to travel to Mississippi State and handle them. This betting line is trending towards Auburn, so this line may get pushed farther in Auburn’s favor.

West Virginia (-13.5) at Marshall (+13.5) – My pick is West Virginia

The Thundering Herd didn’t have much to cheer about last week when they opened their season in Columbus, Ohio against Ohio State. If it wasn’t for scoring on a blocked field goal, they could have ended up not scoring at all in that game. West Virginia is another well-coached team and blanked Coastal Carolina in their opener. I see the Mountaineers running up this score and 13.5 points should be the spread at the half.

Georgia (+3) at South Carolina (-3) – My pick is South Carolina

South Carolina seems to have trouble with Georgia, but this season, the tables have turned. The Gamecocks are the favorites and have a better squad. Steve Spurrier doesn’t have to worry facing a more talented team, if South Carolina keeps to their gameplan, they should win and cover.

South Florida (+15.5) at Florida (-15.5) – My pick is Florida

Matt Grothe and George Selvie are no longer on South Florida, so the Gators shouldn’t have much trouble covering the 15.5 points. This is a transition year for Florida, but they haven’t slipped that much.

Florida State (+8) at Oklahoma (-8) – My pick is Florida State

Bobby Bowden is no longer strolling the sidelines for Florida State and Jimbo Fisher has them looking pretty good. Bob Stoops is trying to replace some key pieces from their team a year ago. I look for Florida State to score early and keep Oklahoma from controlling the game. If this happens, not only could FSU keep the Sooners from covering, but they could squeak out an upset win.

Michigan (+3.5) at Notre Dame (-3.5) – My pick is Michigan

I tried to stay away from Notre Dame last season, but I feel a little better about them after they beat Purdue last week. I’m not saying that I feel better about them as in they are going to win, but I feel like I got an idea of who they are. They have lack an identity the last few seasons. Michigan looked really good against Connecticut last week and I see them going into South Bend and winning this game.

Iowa State (+13.5) at Iowa (-13.5) – My pick is Iowa

This is a big rivalry game for both of these teams. You usually get the underdogs’ best effort, but the Hawkeyes should roll all over Iowa State in this game, Iowa is a much better team.

BYU (pick) at Air Force (pick) – My pick is BYU

This game rests on only one thing….can BYU stop Air Force’s running attack. I think BYU should be able to do that, since they handled Washington last week and won by a touchdown. This will be Air Force’s first test of the year and BYU will win this game.

Wyoming (+29.5) at Texas (-29.5) – My pick is Wyoming

Let me say first, Wyoming will not win this game. I rode them last season and they were great against the spread last season. I think that they will go down to Texas and not let the Longhorns cover this huge spread. Wyoming is sneaky and this line may even get larger since Texas is a “public” team and people will bet on them with this large of a spread.

Penn State (+11.5) at Alabama (+11.5) – My pick is Alabama

Alabama is one hell of a team, but we all know that they have trouble putting points on the board at times. Penn State lost a few weapons last season, but they still have Evan Royster. Paterno seems concerned about his recent weight gain and his stamina, he will have to have a great game if the Nittany Lions wish to keep this one close. I see the Crimson Tide controlling the tempo of this game with their defense and winning this game 24-6.

Texas Tech (-24.5) at New Mexico (+24.5) – My pick is Texas Tech

The Oregon Ducks blanked New Mexico last week with the score of 72-0. The Texas Tech Red Raiders could probably dress an average intramural squad in Lubbock and cover this 24.5 point spread. They win this game and cover big.

Miami (+9.5) at Ohio State (-9.5) – My pick is Ohio State

This is the first time these two teams have met since Ohio State upset the Hurricanes to win the 2002 BCS Championship. The kids playing in this game were in elementary school when that happened, but revenge is on Miami’s mind. Ohio State has a talented team and they have the advantage this year with the game being played in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State has a reputation for not showing up for big games, well that should change with a big win over a ranked team on National television. The Buckeyes should win this game 34-17.

These picks are for entertainment purposes.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Song Of The Day – The Black Keys "Tighten Up"

I just got back from a Kings Of Leon & The Black Keys concert in Cincinnati, Ohio tonight and I currently have a concert buzz and can’t sleep. I decided to rekindle my series of “Songs Of The Day” since I was inspired by a great performance by The Black Keys. This duo puts out a sound of a four-piece band and leaves it all on stage. Here is some background on the band and the video for “Tighten Up.”

Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney formed the band in 2001 in the town of Akron, Ohio. The genre that best fits their music would be either “Blues Rock” or “Garage Rock.” Their music has been featured in everything from the movie “I Love You, Man,” to the TV show “Eastbound & Down,” to an advertising campaign for Molson beer.

They have released seven studio albums, with their latest being “Brothers.” The tracks “Tighten Up” and “Howlin’ For You,” are two highlights on the album the debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 in the first week released. The album has been getting rave reviews from established rock critics from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork Media, and Entertainment Weekly.

If you haven’t heard of The Black Keys, Google the hell out of them and listen to everything you can.

Here is the video for “Tighten Up.”

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2010 NFL 53-Man Roster Cuts

This year’s NFL roster cuts came with many surprises. Two former Heisman trophy winners, a few Pro Bowlers, former 1,000 yard rushers, 2009 first-round picks, a former UFL standout, and many other key players find themselves without a team after today. Check out which players were cut some fantasy football implications could come into play with players being released and the possibility of your team signing these players.

Arizona Cardinals – QB Matt Leinart, LB Stevie Baggs, TE Anthony Becht, LB Monty Beisel, LB Cody Brown, DE Jeremy Clark, DE John Fletcher, CB Trevor Ford, WR Ed Gant, OT Herman Johnson, WR Mike Jones, WR Onrea Jones, CB Justin Miller, G Jonathan Palmer, OT Tom Pestock, FB Charles Scott, and WR Isaiah Williams.

Atlanta Falcons – CB Chevis Jackson, TE Robbie Agnone, WR Troy Bergeron, WR Tim Buckley, RB Dimitri Nance, C Blake Schlueter, WR Andy Strickland, WR Ryan Wolfe, TE Keith Zinger, S Rafael Bush, S Eric Brock, CB Dominique Daniels, LB Weston Johnson, DE Maurice Lucas, DE Emmanuel Stephens, G Jose Valde, LB Bear Woods, FB Dan Klecko, C Brett Romberg, and WR Brandyn Harvey.

Baltimore Ravens – QB Troy Smith, K Shayne Graham and WR Demetrius Williams.

Buffalo Bills – WR James Hardy, WR Chad Jackson, G Kirk Chambers, QB Levi Brown, RB Chad Simpson, RB Joique Bell and FB Corey McIntyre.

Carolina Panthers – QB Hunter Cantwell, G Andrew Crummey, LB Quinton Culberson, WR Trent Guy, G Ray Hisatake, DT Corvey Irvin, LB Mortty Ivy, FB Rashawn Jackson, WR Kenny Moore, RB Dantrell Savage, CB R.J. Stanford, DT Tank Tyler, RB Josh Vaughan, LB Sean Ware, S C.J. Wilson, CB Brian Witherspoon, TE Jamie Petrowski, DE Eric Moore, and T Rob Petitti.

Chicago Bears – OL Josh Beekman, S Al Afalava, LB Tim Shaw, DL Jarron Gilbert, WR Juaquin Iglesias, QB Dan LeFevour, FB Eddie Williams, WR Freddie Barnes, WR Greg Mathews, OT James Marten, OT Levi Horn, C Tim Walter, DE Barry Turner, DT Edwin Williams, DT Mick Williams, LB Kevin Malast, LB Kelvin Smith, CB Cornelius Brown, CB Woodny Turenne, S Quentin Scott, S Aaron Webster, and TE Richard Angulo.

Cincinnati Bengals – WR Matt Jones, LB Abdul Hodge, K Dave Rayner, G Isaac Sowells, S Marvin White, DT Orien Harris, S Kyries Hebert, TE Chase Coffman, TE Darius Hill, RB James Johnson, DT Clinton McDonald, S Rico Murray, WR Maurice Purify, WR Dezmon Briscoe, G Otis Hudson, S Jeromy Miles, OT Gabriel Manns, S Jeromy Miles, LB Vincent Rey, OT Chris Rodgers, CB Johnny Sears and FB Joe Tronzo.

Cleveland Browns – WR Bobby Engram, OL Scott Kooistra and DL C.J. Mosley. Waived DB Larry Asante, Chris Chancellor, OL Paul Fanaika, DL Clifton Geathers, DL Travis Ivey, RB Chris Jennings, DB Brandon McDonald, DL Swanson Miller, OL Pat Murray, QB Brett Ratliff, DL Brian Sanford and DB DeAngelo Smith.

Dallas Cowboys – CB Jamar Wall, OT Will Barker OG Travis Bright, DE Marcus Dixon, RB Herb Donaldson, TE DajLeon Farr, CB Cletis Gordon, WR Jesse Holley, WR Manny Johnson, OLB Curtis Johnson, CB Bryan McCann, RB Lonyae Miller, LB Steve Octavien, TE Jason Pociask, TE Martin Rucker, DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, LB Brandon Sharpe, DE Junior Siavii, OL Mike Tepper, CB Jamar Wall and CB Teddy Williams.

Denver Broncos – TE Marquez Branson, DE Jarvis Green, LB Darrell Reid, LB Kevin Alexander, LB Worrell Williams, WR Britt Davis, TE Riar Greer, S Kyle McCarthy, DL Jeff Stehle and OL Seth Olsen.

Detroit Lions – CB Dre Bly, OT Jon Jansen, LB Caleb Campbell, DT Rob Callaway, DT Landon Cohen, LB Vinny Ciurciu, WR Tim Toone, WR Brian Clark, WR Michael Moore, RB DeDe Dorsey, OL Noah Franklin, OL Dan Gerberry, OL Cliff Louis, K Steven Hauschka, DB Ko Simpson, DB Jonathan Hefney, DB Eric King, DB Paul Pratt, DB T.J. Rushing and DB Dante Wesley.

Green Bay Packers – P Chris Bryan, OT Chris Campbell, WR Jason Chery, CB D.J. Clark, C-G Evan Dietrich-Smith, WR Charles Dillon, LB Robert Francois, OT Breno Giacomini, QB Graham Harrell, TE Spencer Havner, LB Alex Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Kregg Lumpkin, LB Cyril Obiozor, LB Maurice Simpkins, DE Ronald Talley, NT Anthony Toribio, WR Chastin West, WR Patrick Williams and DE Jarius Wynn.

Houston Texans – RB Chris Henry, RB Jeremiah Johnson K Kris Brown, CB Jacques Reeves, QB John David Booty, FB Jack Corcoran, TE Derek Fine, LB Isaiah Greenhouse, LB Will Patterson, OL Brett Helms, OL Steve Maneri, OL Cole Pemberton, OL Adam Stenavich, OL Chris White, WR Derrick Townsel, WR Bobby Williams, DL DelJuan Robinson, DL Malcolm Sheppard, DL Mitch Unrein, CB Mark Parson and S Torri Williams.

Indianapolis Colts – DB Ray Fisher, DB Danny Gorrer, DB Ashton Hall, DB Terrail Lambert, DB Mike Newton, DB Glenn Sharpe, DB Terrell Skinner, WR Sam Giguere, WR Brandon James, WR Taj Smith, WR Blair White, OL Chris Marinelli, OL Adrian Martinez, OL Adam Terry, OL James Williams, DL Ervin Baldwin, DL John Chick, DL Marlon Favorite, RB Javarris James, RB Allen Patrick, QB Tom Brandstater, TE Colin Cloherty and LB Vuna Tuihalamaka.

Jacksonville Jaguars – S Gerald Alexander, DT Atiyyah Ellison and G Kynan Forney, LB Alvin Bowen, LB Tony Gilbert, LB Teddy Lehman, DL Jeremy Navarre, RB Kolby Smith, LB Rod Wilson, DT Walter Curry, WR Clarence Denmark, WR John Matthews, OT Daniel Baldridge, TE Mike Caussin, QB Trevor Harris, RB Chad Kackert, DT Ko Quaye and C Bradley Vierling.

Kansas City Chiefs – TE Leroy Banks, WR Rich Gunnell, OL Lemuel Jeanpierre, OT Ikechuku Ndukwe, CB Mike Richardson, LB John Russell and G Dan Santucci.

Miami Dolphins – QB Pat White, WR Patrick Turner, LB J.D. Folsom, LB Austin Spitler, LB Erik Walden, LB Chris McCoy, DL Ryan Baker, DL Lionel Dotson, DL Montavious Stanley, DB Kevin Hobbs, DB Ross Weaver, DB Nate Ness, DB Jonathon Amaya, WR Julius Pruitt, FB Rolly Lumbala, OL Donald Thomas, OL Andrew Gardner, OL Andrew Hartline, and TE David Martin.

Minnesota Vikings – S Colt Anderson, G Thomas Austin, G Adrian Battles, WR Taye Biddle, WR Freddie Brown, T Patrick Brown, T Chris Clark, FB Ryan D’Imperio, WR Marquis Hamilton, RB Ian Johnson, DT Tremaine Johnson, K Rhys Lloyd, TE Garrett Mills, DE Mike Montgomery, WR Logan Payne, T Drew Radovich, CB Marcus Sherels, LB Nate Triplett, WR Javon Walker and CB DeAndre Wright.

New England Patriots – LB Derrick Burgess, WR Sam Aiken, LB Eric Alexander, LB Pierre Woods, QB Zac Robinson, RB Thomas Clayton, RB Chris Taylor, WR Buddy Farnham, WR Darnell Jenkins, WR Rod Owens, TE Carson Butler, TE Rob Myers, OL George Bussey, OL Ted Larsen, OL Rich Ohrnberger, OL Thomas Welch, LB Thomas Williams, S Sergio Brown, CB DeAngelo Willingham and DB Ross Ventrone.

New Orleans Saints – DE Bobby McCray, QB Patrick Ramsey, DT Kendrick Clancy, C Nick Leckey, RB Ladell Betts, OL Terrence Metcalf, OL Brandon Carter, OL Na’Shan Goddard, OL Jermey Parnell, FB Jason McKie, FB Zak Keasey, WR Montez Billings, LB Harry Coleman, CB Reggie Jones, TE Tyler Lorenzen, DL DeMario Pressley, DL Jay Ross, DL Al Woods and S Chip Vaughn.

New York Giants – DT Jay Alford, QB Rhett Bomar, TE Bear Pascoe, DE Tommie Hill, DT Dwayne Hendricks, DT Nate Collins, CB Seth Williams, S John Busing, S Matt O’Hanlon, S Sha’reff Rashad, QB Dominic Randolph, RB Gartrell Johnson, RB Andre Brown, FB Jerome Johnson, WR Tim Brown, TE Scott Chandler, C Jim Cordle, OT Dennis Landolt, OT Jacob Bender and OT Herb Taylor.

New York Jets – S Emanuel Cook, FB Jason Davis, C Robby Felix, S Keith Fitzhugh, LB Ricky Foley, WR Brooks Foster, T Dan Gay, LB Tim Knicky, DE Jason Lamb, LB Boris Lee, LB Joshua Mauga, LB Cory Reamer, LB Brashton Satele, DB Bo Smith, DL Ty Steinkuhler, G Charlie Tanner, WR Larry Taylor, G Chet Teofilo, DT Martin Tevaseu, T Michael Turkovich and S Donovan Warren.

Oakland Raiders – DE Jay Richardson, C Chris Morris, WR Todd Watkins, WR Shaun Bodiford, S Jerome Boyd, QB Colt Brennan, DL Chris Cooper, DL Alex Daniels, DL Grayson Gunheim, DL William Joseph, FB Manase Tonga, LB David Nixon, LB Slade Norris, TE John Owens, OL Alex Parsons, OL Brandon Rodd, DB Joe Porter, CB Joe Thomas, DB Stevie Brown and K Swayze Waters.

Philadelphia Eagles – G Max Jean-Gilles, WR Chad Hall, WR Jordan Norwood, TE Cornelius Ingram, C A.Q. Shipley, G Dallas Reynolds, G Fenuki Tupou, DE Eric Moncur, DT Jeff Owens, S Macho Harris, S Quintin Demps and WR Kelley Washington.

Pittsburgh Steelers – C Justin Hartwig, KR-PR Stefan Logan, OL Kraig Urbik, CB Joe Burnett, FB Frank Summers, DL Sunny Harris, DL Steve McLendon, DL Doug Worthington, LB Patrick Bailey, WR Tyler Grisham and S Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith.

Seattle Seahawks – S Jamar Adams, CB Marcus Brown, C Jeff Byers, G Mitch Erickson, CB Cord Parks, LB Joe Pawelek, T Jacob Phillips, DT Quinn Pitcock, RB Louis Rankin, DE Rob Rose, T Joe Toledo and TE Nick Tow-Arnett. Terminated the contracts of DT Amon Gordon, LB Tyjuan Hagler, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR Brandon Jones, QB J.P. Losman, WR Ruvell Martin and DE James Wyche.

St. Louis Rams – S Brett Johnson, TE Darcy Johnson, WR Jordan Kent, and C Tim Mattran.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Michael Clayton, CB Brandon Anderson, CB Derrick Robinson, CB Trae Williams, QB Jevan Snead, RB Carlos Brown, FB Rendrick Taylor, OL Marc Dile, OT Xavier Fulton, S Vince Anderson, TE Jeron Mastrud, TE Ryan Purvis, DE James Ruffin, DE George Johnson, LB Rico McCoy, LB Lee Robinson, C Donovan Raiola, DT Dre Moore and DT Carlton Powell.

Tennessee Titans – QB Chris Simms, S Myron Rolle, RB Samkon Gado, DE Raheem Brock CB Tye Hill, DE Eric Bakhtiari, DE Chris Harrington, FB Jed Collins, WR Paul Williams, WR Dominique Edison, DT David Howard, DT Joe Joseph, OT Michael Toudouze, OT Nevin McCaskill, RB Alvin Pearman, TE Steven Pfahler, TE Sean Ryan, LB Patrick Trahan, and C Kevin Matthews.

Washington Redskins – RB Willie Parker, WR Terrence Austin, QB Richard Bartel, OT Selvish Capers, S Tyrone Carter, G-C Erik Cook, FB Carey Davis, LB Curtis Gatewood, NT Howard Green, LB Robert Henson, WR Shay Hodge, LB Rob Jackson, OT Clint Oldenburg, G-T Chad Rinehart, CB Ramzee Robinson, OT William Robinson, S Anderson Russell, DE Darrion Scott, RB Ryan Torain, TE Lee Vickers and WR Bobby Wade.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Bye Bye Ballhype!

This is a sad week for us here at the site. The website BallHype.com is now defunct. Daily Radar, which ran BallHype as well as some other variations of the service took the site offline with little to no explanation. It was a good service for blogs to get recognized and get their stories out. It was a smaller, sports version of Digg, which could be the reason why it couldn’t hang.

We met some pretty cool bloggers on the site and it helped sites like ours network with other people with the same interests. I joined BallHype a little over two years ago. I joined Twitter about the same time and I think the combo of the emergence of Twitter and the popularity of the sports section on Digg was too much for BallHype to compete with.

For the record, I’m still going to keep my little Ballhype button on the side as a memorial to the site.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Trading Deadline: Chicago Cubs Trade Bait

The Chicago Cubs appears to be “sellers” at the trading deadline this year. The team seems to be going nowhere with players getting older and wave of youth starting to crack the 40-man roster. The deadline only 72 hours away, so it’s crunch time. Who are the players the Cubs are dangling out there and which Cubbie said that he would not accept a trade to another team? Will the new owner, Ricketts, decide to have a “fire sale” and scrap team for youth?

Ted Lilly – Lilly is the most talked about trade piece the Cubs are currently shopping. He is in the last year of his contract and he’s having a solid season. He has been the most consistent pitcher on the staff since they signed him a few years ago. Chicago has even made it clear that they would eat much of Lilly’s remaining money left on his contract this year to get the best deal. I see him going to the Mets or another fringe contender, possibly the Twins (no rumor of him going to Minnesota is out there, just think that he would be a good fit).

Derrek Lee – He was rumored to be heading out of town since he is also in the last year of his contract. The Los Angeles Angels apparently had a deal in place for him, but he declined it. He wants to play out his contract with Chicago. I’m not sure if he’ll be looking to re-sign with the Cubs this off-season, but he will demand a decent contract.

Carlos Zambrano – The Cubs would LOVE to move Zambrano and his temper out of Chicago. He will be the hardest person on the team to move because of his performance of late and the remaining amout of money that he has left on his contract. The Cubs want to just dump his salary, but they could be left eating much of it, if they want to trade him.

Alfonso Soriano – With the emergence of Tyler Colvin, the Cubs would like to move Soriano and his inflated contract. His contract was backloaded, which means that most of his money will be paid out towards the end of his deal. This will make it nearly impossible for him to be moved. If Soriano was a better fielder, they could easier move him back to 2B, where he played as a member of the Yankees. He has lost a step and his fielding is on par with Manny Ramirez. It would be impossible to trade Soriano right now, but if he starts off hot in 2011, there could be suitors.

Xavier Nady – Early in the season, the rumors started circulating that some teams were looking for a mid-level outfielder with power. Nady was one of the names that was mentioned, but with his recent plummet in his numbers and losing a number of at-bats to Colvin, it doesn’t look like Nady would be someone that a contender would be targeting. Nady needs ample at-bats to be comfortable at the plate, he hasn’t had much success has a pinch-hitter. If the Cubs trade Nady, it would be for a low-level prospect at this point.

Hopefully Chicago can pull off some trades and restock their slim farm system. At the beginning of the year, only Houston had a worse farm system in the NL Central. The Cubs are headed towards rebuilding and let’s hope they get it right this time.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Why Terrell Owens Won’t Be On The Jets

I know all of the New York Jets fans are excited for the upcoming season. You overachieved last season and a few players emerged as future stars in this league. You spent the off-season acquiring high-profile players in hopes of making a championship run this year. The rumor is that the Jets are now targeting Terrell Owens to sign with the team. Why would the Jets sign T.O. when they already have a wide-receiving corps able to handle the “run-first” offense? Here are some of the reasons why Ownes will not be playing for the Jets this season.

First, you have to look at the wide-receiving corps and realize that there isn’t any room for him on the roster. He would be steaming on the sidelines waiting for a 4-wide set to be called. Mark Sanchez already has Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller, David Clowney, and Brad Smith to catch the ball. I know Holmes will have to sit out the first few games this season, but when he comes back, he would jump right into that #1 or #2 receiving role. Sanchez isn’t going to be out there throwing the ball 40 times a game. Rex Ryan will still be trying to manage the game and let his defense win games.

Next up, the sheer thought of having Braylon Edwards and Terrell Owens on the same team is spine-tingling. How many balls would this duo total? 40? It would be a safer bet to throw screen passes to LaDanian Tomlinson and let him get his usual 2.5 yards (he’s washed up).

The Jets can’t turn into the Washington Redskins and try to sign free-agents who are 2-3 years past their prime. It will get butts in the seats, but from what I know about NFL games, only the Jacksonville Jaguars have trouble in that department. Fans will go to Jets games and scream “J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets” even if their starting quarterback was Justin Bieber and “The Situation” was their running back.

The chemistry of the team is important, especially one that goes into a season with high hopes. If they start out the year 2-3 or 3-4, people of T.O.’s ilk will start trying to motivate the team and there will be too many chiefs and not enough indians. You can’t load a team up with veterans with a young quarterback. Sanchez will have to start being the leader of this team and get into the faces of players trying to cause trouble. I’m not sure if T.O. could handle another young quarterback trying to get into his face.

The Jets will be a good team this season, no doubt about it. They shouldn’t be trying to reach. Their team is solid and they should just stand pat. Who knows, all of this could just be driven by the PR Machine of Drew Rosenhaus. He could be trying to drive up the price that the Cincinnati Bengals have to pay to sign Owens. The Bengals and Rams were the only two teams in the hunt a few days ago, and it appears that the Rams have fell out of the running. If that is the case, Rosenhaus, you got me again…show T.O. the money!

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

I Hate Joe Theismann

BenMaller.com, which is a rumors page ran by the weekend late-night radio host for Fox Sports Radio, posted a rumor about Joe Theismann that has left me speechless. He is rumored to be in the running to replace Pat Haden as the color commentator for Notre Dame games on NBC. Haden left to be the athletic director at his alma mater, USC, so a replacement will need to be added by this fall. Can I go an entire season without driving to South Bend and cussing out Theismann? Let’s find out…it could be a long season

I have had a long history of hate when it comes to Joe Theismann. I am too young to remember his playing days, but listening to him as a color commentary analyst during football games have been atrocious. He worked on the broadcast of ESPN’s “Sunday Night Football” from 1988 to 2005 and then one failed year on “Monday Night Football” when ESPN bought the rights. The sheer tone of his voice leads to the hairs standing up on my arms and a rise of my blood pressure by 20%.

I know that I am over-reacting and I am a bit tongue-in-cheek about it, but I just think that he isn’t good at his job. He is too critical of the teams and often tries to overshadow the game by hogging airtime away from the play-by-play commentator. There was a reason why ESPN let him go from MNF, he clashes with nearly ever on-air personality. He doesn’t clash on a personal level, I’ve never heard anything about him not getting along with crew, but his style doesn’t fit with many people. Tom Hammond is the play-by-play commentator for Notre Dame broadcast and he is a true professional. He has covered nearly everything on NBC sports from football to the Olympics. If Theismann is chosen as Haden’s replacement, I’m sure Hammond will do his best to make it work.

I guess I am a little biased when it comes to how critical Theismann is on the teams during the games. He has called many Indianapolis Colts games over the years and all the quarterbacks during that time, Jeff George to Peyton Manning, he has ripped for not being polished. Yes, he ripped Manning for not being polished, even though this was early in his career, it’s ridiculous. Anyone who has watched a game in which he is broadcasting knows how worked up I get, it’s almost comical.

Theismann isn’t the only former Notre Dame album rumored for this position, but is the only one that has national appeal. I hate to say this, but he would probably be the best choice if Notre Dame is looking to increase their ratings.

I hate Joe Theismann.

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A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Possible White Boys The Pacers Can Sign

It’s a running joke here that the Indiana Pacers love their white guys. Larry Bird seems to have a crush on un-athletic white boys who “hustle” and are “scappy.” If David Eckstein played basketball, Bird would sign him today. There are plenty of eligible candidates out there that are of the pale variety, here are some options that could end up rocking the yellow and navy next season and beyond.

Brian Scalabrine – unrestricted – Scalabrine was close to becoming a member of the Pacers before last season. Indiana and Boston tried to workout a sign & trade with Marquis Daniels, but Indiana refused to take Tony Allen. He had some past run-ins with authorities and the Pacers have been shy to take on players with a record since the Palace Brawl. I think Scalabrine would be a nice option once they trade Jeff Foster or Troy Murphy before the trading deadline this season.

Adam Morrison – unrestricted – I really wouldn’t know what to do if Bird signed Morrison. I think more Adam Morrison jokes have been posted on this site than about any other player. I guess it would be karma showing its ugly head that I would have to see him shoot 29% from the field as a member of the Pacers. Please God…don’t ever let him on the Pacers!

Joe Alexander – unrestricted – As much as I want a guy with the nickname “Vanilla Thunder” on the Pacers, I couldn’t stomach it. We already have a guy that can only hit a shot within 3 feet of the basket (Josh McRoberts) and he barely sniffs the hardwood. They might as well give him an ergonomic chair on the bench, wouldn’t want him to have circulation issues.

Steve Novak – unrestricted – The Pacers already have an older version of Novak and his name is Troy Murphy. Murphy has improved his rebounding over the last few years, but Novak will always be known as the “tall kid that could hit 3-pointers when Dwyane Wade was at Marquette.”

Shavlik Randolph – unrestricted – NO MORE DUKE PLAYERS! The Pacers love Duke players and I can’t stand it. I dislike Duke and somehow I am tricked into liking them because they are on the Pacers. It’s a cruel, cruel trick the world plays on me.

Brian Cardinal – unrestricted – Is it sad that Cardinal is 6’8 and it wouldn’t surprise me if he couldn’t get touch the net? He looks like he should be playing on your father’s recreation league team. I don’t know how he ever managed to make it in the NBA, but he has been paid very well over his career.

Chris Quinn – unrestricted – I actually wouldn’t mind if the Pacers signed Quinn. He reminds me of Travis Diener and he did a decent job with the team. They need depth at point guard and I don’t know if transforming Lance Stephenson into a point guard is the correct move.

Jason Williams – unrestricted – Speaking of decent point guard options, Williams would probably be the leading candidate in this bunch. I doubt he would want to play in Indiana, but I think he still has some tread on his tires. Plus, imagine if Indiana signed Joe Alexander and Williams, you would have a “Vanilla Thunder” and “White Chocolate” combo, sounds like a Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

Louis Amundson – unrestricted – Out of all these candidates, I believe Admundson could receive a Brian Cardinal-like contract from a team that fell in love with his play the last few weeks of the season. He had a productive portion of the season when Robin Lopez was banged up. The Pacers probably won’t be able to afford him and I think Phoenix should probably lock him up.

Travis Diener – unrestricted – He already had his shot with the Pacers. He filled in as a nice option at the time, but clearly he wasn’t in their long-term plans. Maybe he can be a minimum contract option for the Heat. He did play with Wade and Novak at Marquette with success.

Well, I know the Pacers don’t have much room under the salary cap and signing a player this off-season could be a long-shot. Once they trade their expiring contracts before the deadline, they could be in need to sign cheap replacements, so these guys could end up on the team if they don’t land with another team this off-season.

I can’t say this enough, please, please don’t sign Adam Morrison. I mean look at the guy!

McGrady Would Be Nice Fit For Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are rumored to be interested in signing Tracy McGrady. The 31-year old has been on the shelf with injuries over the last few seasons, but has shown the ability to score points in a hurry in the past. Would he accept a bench role for a chance to make it out of the first-round of the playoffs? Would he accept a a one-year, incentive based, low salary deal? Those questions are yet to be answered, but I believe he would be a nice fit on the young Bulls team.

The Bulls have been very active this off-season and they are making a push to be contenders this season. They have had the moniker of “team on the rise” over the last three seasons, but with the addition of Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, and Ronnie Brewer, they are becoming a very deep team. Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah had career years last season and they are yet to hit their prime. The Bulls know that the window for this team is a few seasons, but that could change with key injuries.

McGrady, who is still younger than his body seems to be, could mentor some of the players on the team and help them mature. He has been a leader on some very good teams, but has always fell short of making it out of the first-round. The only season in which his team made is past the first-round, was when he was injured and couldn’t play. The risk of signing McGrady would be his knee. He had microfracture surgery and it usually takes two years for a player to regain his prior form or it never comes back at all. Amar’e Stoudamire had the surgery two seasons ago and he came out in 2009-10 and had a very productive year. He is a success story, but with that story come many others that aren’t as positive. Chris Webber had the surgery and even though he was solid when coming back, he was never the same. Age could be to blame in Webber’s case, but having the microfracture surgery couldn’t have helped.

Signing a player who has a history of injuries is very risky. It usually doesn’t work out and with the guaranteed contracts in the NBA, it’s a chance that many GMs don’t want to take. The one example of an injury-plagued player bouncing back later in his career is Grant Hill. He basically had his ankle completely reconstructed and had various other injuries when he was with the Orlando Magic. He signed a very cheap deal to resurrect his career with the Phoenix Suns and he has had a second-life with the team. I hope McGrady has the same luck, because he was such a phenomenal scorer during his prime, it would be a shame that an injury could shorten his career.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.